Alphonse Girandy Explained

Alphonse Girandy
Birth Date:21 January 1868
Birth Place:Guadeloupe
Placeofburial:Philadelphia National Cemetery, Pennsylvania
Placeofburial Label:Place of burial
Allegiance:United States of America
Branch:United States Navy
Rank:Seaman
Awards:Medal of Honor

Alphonse Girandy (January 21, 1868 – April 3, 1941) was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of America's highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor.

Biography

Girandy, of Pennsylvania, joined the Navy and served during the Spanish–American War in 1898. On March 31, 1901, he was working as a Seaman on the when a fire broke out on the ship. For his actions on that occasion, Seaman Girandy was awarded the Medal of Honor one year later, on March 22, 1902. His official Medal of Honor citation reads: "Serving on board the U.S.S. Petrel, for heroism and gallantry, fearlessly exposing his own life to danger for the saving of others, on the occasion of the fire on board that vessel, March 31, 1901." He continued to serve in the Navy into World War I.

Girandy died at age 73 and was buried in Philadelphia National Cemetery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Awards

Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization: Seaman, U.S. Navy. Born: January 21, 1868, Guadeloupe, West Indies. Accredited to: Pennsylvania. G.O. No.: 85, March 22, 1902.

Citation:

Serving on board the U.S.S. Petrel, for heroism and gallantry, fearlessly exposing his own life to danger for the saving of others, on the occasion of the fire on board that vessel, March 31, 1901.[1]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: . Medal of Honor recipients - Interim Awards, 1901-1911 . Medal of Honor citations . October 3, 2003 . January 15, 2007.